Hyundai Kona vs Volvo EX30

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Kona at 4 stars (2023) and the Volvo EX30 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 88% for the Volvo EX30, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai Kona, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 6 in the Volvo EX30.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX30 is 4.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 117mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the Hyundai Kona a 89L advantage.

For towing, the Volvo EX30 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Kona's turning circle is 0.4 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Hyundai Kona costs about $1,881 a year (6.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Kona) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Kona: the lower starting price ($33,950 against $49,990) and the bigger boot with the seats up (407L against 318L).

The Volvo EX30: more power (200kW against 110kW) and the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 1,300kg).

The Verdict

Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 71

The Volvo EX30 scores 76 to the Hyundai Kona's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Volvo EX30 ahead by 31 points), performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 29 points), safety (Volvo EX30 ahead by 6 points). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona, 318L in the Volvo EX30.

Common questions